BLENDON TOWNSHIP AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2014 HISTORICAL SITE OF BLENDON’S FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The first Blendon Presbyterian Church was located on the northeast corner of Dempsey and Hempstead Roads on what is now part of Blendon Central Cemetery. The land had been donated by Timothy Lee, to be used for a cemetery and church. The church was dedicated on December 6, 1829. Sadly, it was burned to the ground later that same night in what was believed to be the work of arsonists who opposed the growing strength of the church in the Blendon community.[i] Edward Phelps donated an acre of land just 50 yards west of the smoldering timbers. On this land, known today as Phelps Acre, the members constructed a new church in 1830. Its doors were open for worship within a few months. The Blendon Presbyterian Church held services on this site from 1830 to 1865. Research tells us the church front faced east. The pulpit was in the front between the entrance doors. A partition ran through the center of the church separating the men and women. The women occupied the northern half and the men the southern half. The side walls were forty feet long and one foot square, hewed by hand from logs three feet in diameter. The wood for the church was said to have been easily obtained, but the glass and nails were harder to get. Some people were disappointed and unhappy to learn that various church members had furnished grain which was made into whiskey in Worthington then sold to get glass and nails to rebuild the church.[ii] It is believed the church was abandoned after the building of the Central College Presbyterian Church, in the nearby Village of Central College (Amalthea) which was then part of Blendon Township. According to J.H. Larimore, Westerville historian, the empty church was “carried away piecemeal by those who felt they needed the material more than the Lord needed it.”[iii] FUTURE PHELPS ACRE MEMORIAL This summer, the Trustees used ground penetrating radar to determine and mark the exact location of the foundation of this historic church. Three corner stones were also discovered. They will be used to construct corner historical markers to commemorate their exact location. The church measured 40 by 32 feet. The foundation of the church was located just four inches under the ground and identified to be twelve to eighteen inches deep. It was found to be a rubble type foundation, commonly used in those times, made up of bricks, rocks, and fieldstone laid in an open trench. It is believed that any suitable material the church members could gather and carry was brought to the site. The Trustees hope to use some of those rubble foundation pieces in the construction of a monument. The remainder of the rubble foundation will stay in the ground where it was placed during its construction in 1830. Today, more than 180 years after this church was built, the Blendon Township Trustees have a better picture to share of the Township’s history. Their future goal of constructing a memorial will preserve the original site of what was once one of the first thriving churches that served our community. A NEW PARK AT PHELPS ACRE Blendon Township received a Nature Works grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for $85,124 towards the development of a park at Phelps Acre. We are pleased to announce a large play structure has been built in the center of the lot along with a new swing set, park benches, and picnic tables. Acknowledgement: Lillian Brown Gossett, By One Spirit, Limited First Edition, Number 334, The Greenfield Printing and Publishing Company, (Greenfield, Ohio 1976), [i] page 10, [ii] page 11, [iii] page 80. The church as it appeared in the mid 1800’s. Blendon Township Administrative Office (614) 882-1270 www.blendontwp.org VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR OUR BICENTENNIAL EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE! BLENDON TOWNSHIP TURNS 200! 1816 TO 2016 CALLING ALL HISTORY BUFFS AND EVENT PLANNERS Blendon Township will celebrate its bicentennial birthday in 2016! In honor of this occasion, a Bicentennial Event Committee is being established. We are looking for volunteers from all over our township. If you would like to be part of this committee and assist in planning a ceremony to honor our community’s 200 years of history, we would love to have you join us. To volunteer, please contact our Township Administrator by emailing Bryan.Rhoads@blendontwp.org. BLENDON TOWNSHIP IS TURNING THE BIG 2-0-0! SALT SHORTAGE PREDICTED TO INCLUDE OHIO With winter approaching, Blendon Township’s Service Department staff will shift gears from their summer routines and prepare to be dedicated snow warriors. They work day and night during snow storms to keep our streets plowed. But, they require your assistance too. If the snow is deep enough to need plowing, please park your cars in your driveway. Remember, when Franklin County declares a snow emergency, NO parking is allowed on the streets. We were recently advised of a predicted shortage of roadway salt that will affect Blendon Township this winter. Our snow plows will continue to operate, but salt will likely only be applied to intersections and hills. Salt is being imported from overseas into Cincinnati and Toledo; it will supply all of Ohio. The high demand for salt could delay deliveries as the suppliers attempt to balance the needs of all communities. Please use extra caution when driving this winter. No matter what season, our dedicated staff is trained and ready to serve you! SURVEILLANCE ADDED TO PARK The Trustees recently installed 24-hour surveillance cameras in Ridgewood Park. These cameras will be used to deter and record any crime committed in the park. They have digital, real-time information delivery systems with sharp imaging. HALLOWEEN PARTY DISASTER RECOVERY For many years now, the Huber Ridge Area Association Inc. has hosted a highly popular community Halloween Party. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, October 25th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Ridgewood Park, located on Buenos Aires Blvd in the Huber Ridge Subdivision. The Blendon Township Trustees are excited to be joining in hosting the party this year. Expect to see games, a hayride, a bon fire, s’mores, a Haunted Woods, a costume contest, some trick or treating and more! Severe weather can cause mass power outages in any season. These may be brief or last for days. Franklin County can have as many as 15 severe thunderstorm warnings each year. Last winter we had 45.8 inches of snow! It is important for each home to have a disaster plan which includes an emergency survival kit containing a minimum three day supply of nonperishable food, water, medications, and pet supplies. It should also include flashlights, batteries, copies of important documents, and other essentials. In your car, carry a small emergency kit with a blanket, flashlight, drinking water, snacks, and a distress signal. Our first concern after a severe weather event is the health and safety of our residents. Your Trustees, Police, Fire, Senior Center and Service employees will always respond to urgent community needs. During summer or winter power outages, if it has electricity, our Senior Center will serve as a “cooling/warming center.” There you can take refrigerated items to prevent spoilage, have breakfast/ lunch, and relax in the comfort of air conditioning/heat, electricity and friendship. If there is no telephone, internet, or electricity and you or your neighbors need assistance, please drive to the police station and/or Senior Center for help. Knowing how to access assistance makes the process of recovery faster and less stressful. Halloween Party Saturday, October 25th 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ridgewood Park, Buenos Aires Blvd. Fun! Treats! Games! Ohio ends Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014 at 2:00 a.m. JANE JUERGENS MEMORIAL On October 20, 2013, Blendon Township resident Jane Juergens lost her life as a victim of a violent crime. The entire community was stunned and heartbroken about this senseless act. Now is a time for healing. Many residents have asked how they can help. A Memorial Fund Drive has been established to help build Jane’s memorial. A beautiful area along the water’s edge in Ridgewood Park was selected by the Juergens’ family and friends along with Blendon officials. She loved this park and often jogged on the trails enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of nature. Donations can be made by check with “Memorial” in the memo line, payable to the Blendon Township Trustees, at 6350 Hempstead Road, Westerville, Ohio or visit www.blendontwp.org, click on “Jane E. Juergens Memorial Fund” located on the front page of this website. Please help support the healing for the loss of this beautiful lady. Below is a conceptual drawing for Jane’s memorial garden. Our plans include two benches, a memorial plaque, a rose garden, and more. FREE BLENDON E-MAIL AND TEXT ALERTS BLENDON TOWNSHIP SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE PROGRAM It is enjoyable to take a walk through your neighborhood. However, deteriorating, misaligned sidewalks can be a threat to your safety. To remedy this problem, the Blendon Trustees have adopted a Sidewalk Maintenance Program. In Blendon Township, like most communities across the country, the property owner is responsible for the maintenance of their sidewalks. The natural growth of healthy trees in the tree lawns (the grassy areas between the sidewalk and the street) have in some spots caused sidewalk damage from root growth. The Trustees realize that some of these trees were planted by developers when the homes were built and some were planted by homeowners. However, serious hazard conditions exist and must be addressed. All sidewalks in the Township will be inspected to determine if any portion of the sidewalk is in need of repair or replacement. The Property Owner will be notified accordingly. Options for compliance are listed in the Sidewalk Maintenance Program (viewable at www. blendontwp.org under the “Public Service” link). The Trustees will do everything they can to accommodate homeowners and are sensitive to their concerns. For now, the Township will assume the responsibility and costs for sidewalks found damaged by trees planted in the tree lawns. The township will remove the trees in those areas and replace the damaged sidewalks. No trees will be replaced in the tree lawns, but replacement trees will be planted in various areas of the Township. Any future problems with the sidewalk will be the homeowner’s responsibility. Blendon Township has beautiful trees and it is upsetting to have to remove some of them. The Trustees believe they have come up with the best solution possible with safety as their first priority. This picture shows a badly deteriorated sidewalk, posing a danger for anyone walking there. Sign up to receive text or e-mail alerts concerning traffic conditions, road closures/restrictions, power outages, water line breaks, police alerts, and event cancellations in Blendon Township. These services are free, although text message charges may apply depending on your cell phone plan. Sign up at www.blendontwp.org. BLENDON INITIATES BILL TO CHANGE GROUP HOME LAWS Jordan T. Stewart, a 16 year old foster child who was living in a Blendon Township group home, plead guilty in adult court to charges of murder and tampering with evidence in the death of Jane Juergens. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 18 years. After Stewart’s arrest, Blendon Township Trustees reached out to State Representative Anne Gonzales to push for changes in the laws concerning group homes. To date, a bill has been written to address concerns held by the community and to create a program that will lead to better placements for the children in those homes. This bill passed the House unanimously this past June and now heads to the Senate. We will move forward to bring about more reforms in the coming months. BEGGAR’S NIGHT Thursday, October 30th 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Trick or Treat is a fun tradition, but all the excitement can cause children to neglect being careful. Please remind your kids to be observant, especially when crossing streets. Your Blendon police officers will be out in their cruisers watching for any unusual activity. They will have candy ready, so if you see a cruiser, have your children wait until it stops, and then feel free to ask the officers for a treat! Visit us on facebook and twitter or at www.blendontwp.org HEROIN & PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE SEMINAR PHASE II Once considered a problem confined to big cities, desperate people, and dark alleys, heroin has found a new foothold in suburban communities across the nation. Its victims are not hardened addicts, but teens and young adults from all walks of life. Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive, dangerous drug that can be smoked, sniffed, or injected directly into the bloodstream. It can dangerously slow heart and lung functions. With every use there are deadly risks. Over half of heroin deaths are young adults. The number of heroin cases has steadily increased in almost every county in Ohio in the past three years. Last June, Blendon Police Chief John Belford along with Jennifer Biddinger of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office held their first Community Awareness discussion in Blendon Township about heroin and prescription drug abuse. As we work to get in front of this epidemic, we urge you to please join us Wednesday, November 12th at the Blendon Senior Center, 6330 Hempstead Road, 7:00 p.m. for our next very empowering and informative public meeting. • Recognize the signs and symptoms of heroin and other drug abuse. • Understand the stigma and denial that surround this disease. • Learn about prevention and treatment programs. • Learn where to turn for help and what services are available. • Learn how to put protective strategies in place now. Members of our group include parents of youths who are battling drug addiction and parents of teens who have lost their lives from heroin use. Fire Department Medics, Block Watch Coordinators, Police, and representatives of the Office of the Attorney General will be there. This discussion is open to parents, students, and community members. This event will feature experts to answer any questions and present ways to get involved. To get reminders and updates on this (and other) community initiatives, make sure you sign up for our Township Email Broadcasts by visiting our website at www.blendontwp.org. WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE TRAINING The Blendon Township Police Department will be offering a four hour training course for Women’s Self Defense on Saturday, November 1st, from 8 a.m. to noon. The class will be held at the Blendon Township Senior Center located at 6330 South Hempstead Road, Westerville, Ohio, 43081. The class is open to adult women of any age and girls ages 16-17. Juveniles must have written permission from, and be accompanied by, a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian does not have to participate in the course, but must be present during the instruction. Pre-registration and a $10 fee, to cover the cost of class materials, are required. Agenda: Hour number one is a lecture and discussion covering many of the myths about self-defense, personal protection devices, and tactics. In the second hour, the class will learn some basic physical techniques, and get a chance to practice them against a stationary padded target. In the third hour we move to the mats to learn how to safely fall down and get back to our feet. The final hour gives everyone the opportunity to practice what they have learned in some self-defense situations against a padded assailant in a Red-Man suit. All instructors (and the “bad-guy” in the Red-Man suit) are Blendon Township Police Officers. This is designed to be a fun, lowstress course with safety and mutual respect as our highest priorities. Although there is some level of physical exertion, each scenario is tailored to the individual. A high level of physical fitness is not required. Elderly and/or physically challenged ladies are welcome. In any of the lessons, each individual can do all, some, or none of the movements, as they feel comfortable. You can learn a great deal from just watching the class and nobody will be pressured to go beyond their comfort zone. For those ladies who do want to test themselves in a stressful, simulated physical encounter, we will offer that option as well. Register on-line at www.blendontwp.org or by stopping by the police station, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p. m, or call us at 614-8828500. Deadline to register is Wednesday, October 29th by 4:30 p.m. Class size is limited. John C. Belford, Chief of Police BLENDON TOWNSHIP FINANCIAL POSITION THRU 06/30/2014 Wade Estep, Fiscal Officer FUND Balance Receipts Disbursements Balance Receipts Disbursements Bal. thru Road District Fund $0 $133,121 $1,817 12/31/12 2013 2013 12/31/13 thru 06/30/14 thru 06/30/14 06/30/14 General $2,421,113 $1,464,473 $1,690,464 $2,195,122 $959,753 $521,807 $2,633,068 Motor Veh. License Tax $12,056 $11,104 $8,342 $14,818 $4,964 $0 $19,782 Gasoline Tax $92,522 $143,317 $195,080 $40,759 $44,960 $76,270 $9,449 Road and Bridge $34,311 $311,723 $292,476 $53,558 $32,286 $82,216 $3,628 Cemetery $443,440 $269,381 $233,123 $479,698 $125,171 $77,498 $527,371 Cemetery Trust $7,513 $0 $0 $7,513 $0 $0 $7,513 Street Light Assessment $11,415 $45,925 $47,500 $9,840 $25,650 $25,837 $9,653 Police District $1,137,983 $1,386,482 $1,764,382 $760,083 $725,161 $787,478 $697,766 Fire District $127,528 $1,766,496 $1,766,496 $127,528 $920,789 $920,788 $127,529 $254,138 $250,629 $3,509 $134,813 Misc SR.Center Mem Fund $56,970 $12,604 $11,120 $58,454 $7,154 $0 $65,608 . FEMA Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Fire Bond Fund $12,742 $33,885 $28,018 $18,609 $17,749 $0 $36,358 Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Total All Funds $4,357,593 $5,699,528 $6,287,630 $3,769,491 $2,996,758 $2,493,711 $4,272,538 Ohio ends Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014 at 2:00 a.m. NO CURBSIDE LEAF PICKUP Blendon Township does not have curbside leaf pickup. Residents are responsible for their own leaf removal. Please do not rake your leaves to the curb as they clog the storm sewers and create additional problems. Rumpke Services include yard waste collection. They will pick up your leaves on your scheduled trash removal day if you place them in trash containers CLEARLY LABELED “YARD WASTE” or bag them in paper yard waste bags (available at lawn & garden or home improvement stores). NATIONAL NIGHT OUT SUCCESS National Night Out has been celebrated across the U.S. since 1983. It is an evening when people hold outdoor events to strengthen community solidarity. They get to know their neighbors and local public safety officials, and demonstrate a neighborhood commitment to fighting crime. At the Sunbury Woods Common Area, Blendon Police provided free finger printing and Ident-A-Kid Child ID Cards. These cards provide parents with crucial information should a child become missing. A Blendon Police Cruiser and Fire Truck were on display and everyone was treated to an ice cream social. Special thanks go out to all the Blendon Township neighborhoods who participated in this year’s National Night Out. National Night Out fun shown below! FREE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Join the Blendon Seniors for their new event, Breakfast with Santa! Children accompanied by their parents and/or grandparents are invited to a pancake breakfast with sausage and all the trimmings. Children will get to visit with Santa and receive a special treat. Register today and be sure to bring your camera! Where: 6330 Hempstead Road Date: Sat. Dec. 6th 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. RSVP by: November 26, 2014 Reservations: Are required. Contact the Senior Center at 614-882-1260 Cost: FREE with reservation Ages: Infant to 4th grade Includes: Breakfast, Cookie Decorating, Candy, Coloring Contest, and a visit with Santa Donations are welcome IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Board of Trustees Meetings 6330 Hempstead Road, 6:30 p.m. November 5th and 19th December 3rd, 17th, and 30th January 14th and 28th Awareness of Senior Scams by Helping Hands Blendon Senior Center 6330 Hempstead Road Thursday, October 23, 2014 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. An informative program & FREE Luncheon For registration, contact Donna Jordan at djordan@blendontwp.org or (614) 882-1260 FREE Halloween Party Ridgewood Park, located just off of Buenos Aires Blvd. Saturday, October 25th, 2014 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Women’s Self Defense Training Presented by Blendon Police Chief John Belford Blendon Senior Center 6330 Hempstead Road Saturday, November 1, 2014 8:00 a.m. to noon Register on-line at www.blendontwp.org or by stopping by the police station, Monday through Friday, 8.a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or call 614-882-8500. Deadline to register is Wednesday, 10/29/14 by 4:30 p.m. Class size is limited Holly Berry Shopping Bazaar Blendon Senior Center 6330 Hempstead Road Saturday, November 8, 2014 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. FREE Heroin Information Community Forum Blendon Senior Center 6330 Hempstead Road Wednesday, November 12, 2014 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. FREE Breakfast with Santa 6330 Hempstead Road Saturday, December 6, 2014 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Deadline to register is Wednesday, 11/26/14 by 12:30 p.m. (614) 882-1260 Sign up for FREE E-mail Alerts at www.blendontwp.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Jan Heichel, Chairman JHeichel@blendontwp.org (614) 890-0650 Jim Welch, Vice Chairman Jim.Welch@blendontwp.org (614) 306-8080 Stew Flaherty, Trustee SFlaherty@blendontwp.org (614) 882-1270 FISCAL OFFICER: Wade Estep Wade.Estep@blendontwp.org (614) 882-1270 Administrator: Bryan Rhoads Bryan.Rhoads@blendontwp.org (614) 839-2013 Township Offices: Linda Harter, Administrative Assistant/Cemetarian LHarter@blendontwp.org (614) 882-1270 (614) 882-2215 (cemetery office) Police Department: John Belford, Police Chief JBelford@blendontwp.org Emergency 911 Dispatcher (614) 889-9494 Office (614) 882-8500 Cell (614) 314-4714 November 4, 2014 Election Day Senior Center: Donna Jordan, Director DJordan@blendontwp.org (614) 882-1260 American Electric Power: (800) 277-2177 Columbia Gas Company (800) 344-4077 for customer service/ emergency and gas odor emergency Blendon Township Code Enforcement (614) 356-9752 Fire Department: Brian Miller, Fire Chief Brian.Miller@westerville.org Emergency 911 Office (614) 901-6600 Road/Service Department: John Giamarco, Service Director JGiamarco@blendontwp.org (614) 882-2673 Other Important Phone Numbers: Blendon Township Zoning (614) 839-2013 Trustee Jan Heichel Trustee Stew Flaherty Franklin County Public Health (614) 525-3160 Franklin County Building Permits (614) 525-3166 Aqua Ohio Water Company (877) 987-2782 or (614) 882-6586 Trustee Jim Welch Fiscal Officer Wade Estep Rumpke Waste Removal (800) 828-8171 Blendon Township Administrative Office (614) 882-1270 www.blendontwp.org
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